[NEohioPAL] Berko review: MY MOTHER'S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING @ Actors' Summit

[Roy Berko]

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Delightful, thought provoking MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING at
Actors’ Summit
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Roy Berko
(Member, American Theatre Critics Association & Cleveland Critics Circle)

Where do you get information and inspiration to write a musical about a
Jewish lesbian who gets married to a Wiccan?  If you are David Hein, you
turn inward and write about you, your mother, your other mother, your
father, and your grandmother.  Sound like a mindless piece or escapist
theatre?  Well, it’s not!

MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING is a unique, delightful, tune
filled, charming, heartfelt exploration that takes a number of twists and
turns as it explores self revelation, relationships, and the politics of
marriage.  It’s been called “The most tuneful weapon you’ll ever find for
advancing marriage equality.”

MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING should be required viewing for
all the members of the U.S. Supreme Court before they act on the marriage
case before them this term.

The musical review play, written by David Hein and his wife, Irene Carl
Sankoff, centers on Hein’s real life memories of spending his teen years
with his biological mother, Claire, and his other mother, Jane.

The story starts as Claire divorces young David’s father and moves to
Canada to accept a job as a university professor of psychology.  The moves
is eased by Clarie’s finding an apartment in Michelle’s home.  Michelle, an
outgoing lesbian, is part of a musical group.  Claire starts singing with
the troupe, meets Dawn, a Wiccan therapist, they fall in love, and marry in
2005 after Canada becomes the fourth nation to legalize same sex unions.

The score, while not memorable, is filled with meaningful tunes which move
the plot along.  Foremost of these is A Short History of Gay Marriage,
which traces the frustration of gays in trying to get equal rights and
allows members of the audience to literally participate in a protest
march.  The song has been updated to include the recent election in which
several more of the U.S. states approved gay marriage.  Some of the other
vocal highlights are:  Feelings Are Important, Jew-ish, Five Mothers, and
You and Me.  Quite funny is Hot Lesbian Action, Double Date and Romance 101.

Under Neil Thackaberry’s wise directing, the show moves along at a pleasant
pace.  The music, under the direction of J. T. Buck, wisely supports and
underscores rather than drowning out the singers.

The performers are all excellent.  They sing well and the are natural in
their characterizations.  Kevin Kern has a nice twangy voice, plays the
guitar with gusto, and creates a real person as the older David.  Daniel
Sovich is charming and shows a nice teenage sensibility as the younger
David.  His side role as a cross dressing Hooter girl is fun and funny.
Lindsey Mitchell (Claire) makes for a charming mother, who grows and
changes before our eyes.  She has a fine singing voice and a nice grasp of
her character.  Keith Stevens creates in Garth, Claire’s former husband, a
supportive father and real person.  Elizabeth Lawson Homes, (Michelle), is
a hoot as Claire’s landlady and friend.  The Dawn Sniadak-Yamokoski (Jane)
has a wonderful singing voice and is totally believable as Claire’s Wiccan
girl-friend and then wife.  Megan Brautigam, Zach Griffin and Hope Caldwell
are excellent in multiple supporting roles.

The multi-level set is cleverly festooned with the Human Right’s Campaign’s
blue and gold striped pride insignia.
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CAPSULE JUDGEMENT:  MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING is a
meaningful musical production which has a solid message enforcing the need
for equal rights for all, while also being totally delightful.  This is a
must see show!
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For tickets to MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING, which runs
through December 23, call 330-342-0800 or go to actorssummit.org.

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